New Year Marks Time for New Beginnings with New Leadership

As we celebrate the New Year and usher in 5779, this also marks a time of new beginnings with Dena Schulman-Green serving as the Jewish Federation Campaign Chair, and Dana Schwartz and Jessica Halprin named as Co-Chairs of Women’s Philanthropy.

With two successful years as Women’s Philanthropy Chair already under her belt, Schulman- Green is enthusiastic about her next two years working as Campaign Chair. Schulman-Green said she has always believed in the importance of the campaign to support our local community, Israel, and Jews all around the world. “Seeing firsthand what our support has made possible in our sister city of Afula, Israel, has deepened my commitment,” she said. “I am delighted to work on the campaign more broadly and to build on its strengths,” Schulman-Green remarked.

While the need for everyone to give generously to the campaign has not changed, Schulman- Green said now the ways in which individuals and families wish to communicate about and make their gifts to the campaign have changed. “Our Federation has invested in a new system that will allow us to be more personal and responsive to varying preferences,” she explained. “This system supports my vision of updating the campaign and structuring it for its greatest success.”

The new Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chairs, Dana Schwartz and Jessica Halprin, are also excited to build on the successes of their group and forge ahead with exciting ideas. Schwartz said one of their goals is to build on the upward trajectory the group has experienced over the past few years. She believes this will naturally lead to an increase in and re-vitalization of the group’s active membership. Halprin agreed. “Specifically, we would like to see increased involvement by first-time WP members, whether they are younger women, new to the area, or just have not been involved in Jewish Federation life,” she continued. “Another goal is to thread together monetary philanthropy, tikkun olam, community building, social events and new friendships.”

Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Chief Development Officer Amy Holtz is looking forward to collaborating with Schulman-Green, Schwartz and Halprin to continue the wonderful accomplishments already made. “We have many exciting things planned and will further our good work under the leadership of powerful women making a difference,” Holtz said.

For more information on how you can help, contact Amy Holtz at (203) 387- 2424, x254